Message
Several years ago, when Redemption Camp (now Redemption City) was still at its early phase of development, I went there to pray. The year was coming to an end, and our Thanksgiving Sunday service was around the corner. I was alone with God inside the camp, and whenever I am alone with my Daddy, we have frank discussions. I said to Him, “Daddy, as usual, I’m going to encourage Your children to thank You immensely on Thanksgiving Sunday. However, between You and me, I don’t see what I should really thank You for this year.” He asked, “Is that so?” I replied, “Yes, Daddy. I’ll tell Your children to appreciate You, but personally, I don’t see why I should thank You much this year.” He then said, “Fine. Take your notebook and pen.” I did, and He asked, “In this year that is ending, how many times did you sleep and wake up?” I answered, “All through the year.” Then, He asked, “Is it everyone who sleeps that wakes up?” I replied, “No.” He then told me to write that as my first reason to thank Him. He asked again, “How many people travel and never return to their homes?” I replied, “Quite a number.” Then, He asked, “How many times did you travel and return home?” I answered, “I travelled a lot, and I returned home safely after each trip.” He told me to write that down as the second reason. He then continued, “How many people have food and can’t eat? How many times did you have food and also had the appetite to eat?” I replied that I always had food and a good appetite, even when I’m fasting. I wrote that down as another reason to thank God. In less than ten minutes, I was on my knees thanking the Almighty God.
Beloved, as this year is coming to an end, you have many reasons to thank God. If you have slept, woken up, gone out, and eaten every single day this year and are still breathing, then you have every reason to thank God. God has fought and won numerous seen and unseen battles for you; therefore, do not end the year with an ungrateful heart. You might not have received everything you wanted, but God has done so much for you this year, and you should be grateful for that. As the year wraps up, I want you to think deeply and thank God for all He has done for you.